What are you commiting to?
Do you ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels, putting in effort but going nowhere fast? Maybe you’re standing at a career crossroads, shrouded in fog, unsure of which path to take. When we’re in it, we might search endlessly for external answers or get lost analyzing every possible option until we’re completely overwhelmed.
But what if the most powerful way to break free doesn’t involve finding the perfect next step out there, but rather, making a conscious choice in here?
This is where the surprising power of commitment comes in. It’s more than just a promise; it’s a conscious direction of your energy. The simple, yet profound, act of asking yourself, “What am I truly committing to?” can be the spark that reignites your momentum.
In this post, we’ll explore why commitment is such a vital ally when you feel stuck. We’ll delve into how it helps you cut through the noise and regain your sense of agency.
Commitment: Your life compass
It might sound counterintuitive – “How can I commit to something when I feel so lost and unclear?” That’s the paradox of being stuck. We often think we need perfect clarity before we can commit, but in reality, commitment is frequently the very thing that creates clarity. It acts like a compass, providing direction even when the map isn’t fully drawn.
Here’s how making a conscious commitment helps break the cycle of stuckness:
It Cuts Through the Noise: A clear commitment silences the mental clutter of indecision and fear, allowing you to focus your energy effectively.
It Generates Energy and Momentum: Choosing to commit breaks inertia, and taking action, however small, builds positive forward movement.
It Provides an Anchor in Uncertainty: Your commitment acts as a stable reference point, helping you stay the course when facing inevitable obstacles or self-doubt.
The Two Commitments: “Being” & “Doing”
So, you’re ready to use commitment as your compass. But what exactly are you committing to? In co-active coaching, we recognize that powerful commitment involves your whole self – not just the tasks you accomplish, but also the person you choose to be along the way. Think of it like two wings that work together to help you soar: the wing of “Doing” and the wing of “Being.”
Commitment to “Doing”: The What
This is perhaps the most familiar type of commitment. It involves dedicating yourself to specific, tangible actions, tasks, or goals. Examples: “I commit to sending out five job applications by the end of the week.” Commitments to “Doing” provide concrete steps forward. They create visible progress and help translate intentions into results.
Commitment to “Being”: The How
This form of commitment is about the internal qualities, values, and ways of showing up that you choose to embody, regardless of the specific task. It’s about the how behind your actions. Examples: “I commit to being curious and open-minded when receiving feedback.” Commitments to “Being” shape your experience and influence how effectively you approach your “Doing.” They build inner resourcefulness and align your actions with your core self.
Working Together
True power comes when “Being” and “Doing” are intentionally combined. Committing to a way of Being can directly fuel your ability to follow through on the Doing. For example, committing to being courageous makes it far more likely you’ll actually succeed in the doing of having that difficult conversation you committed to. Conversely, successfully doing something challenging (like finishing a tough project) can powerfully reinforce your sense of being capable and resilient.
Coaching for Commitment
Making and honoring commitments is a personal journey, but you don’t have to do it alone. Here’s how coaching provides crucial support:
Creating the Space for Clarity: Coaches provide a dedicated, reflective space to explore what you truly want to commit to, free from everyday pressures.
Uncovering Resonant Commitments: Using powerful questions, coaches help you distinguish meaningful commitments aligned with your values from fleeting impulses or obligations.
Holding You Capable (Accountability): Your coach acts as a steadfast supporter, providing accountability and helping you navigate saboteurs or obstacles that inevitably arise.
Moving Forward
So, take a quiet moment today and ask yourself the powerful question: What are you truly committing to?
If exploring that question and designing commitments feels clearer with a thinking partner, I’m here to help. Schedule a chat with me today to see how coaching can support your next steps.
